Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Now that nighttime temperatures are often below freezing and daytime temps are getting down there as well, heating our homes has become a necessity we can’t avoid. While some of us simply have to turn up the dial on our thermostats, others are already rationing their oil or keeping their homes chilly to save on heating costs.

2016-11-30 / Local
Crisis Fuel Assistance is now available
WESTMINSTER — Now that nighttime temperatures are often below freezing and daytime temps are getting down there as well, heating our homes has become a necessity we can’t avoid. While some of us simply have to turn up the dial on our thermostats, others are already rationing their oil or keeping their homes chilly to save on heating costs.
Every year, thousands of Vermonters need help with their home heating costs, and many get some assistance through the state’s Seasonal Fuel program. But what happens when that’s not enough? For many low-income households facing a heating emergency, the Crisis Fuel program can be their lifeline. And, as of Nov. 28, that lifeline is available to those who qualify.
“If you’re facing a heating or utility crisis, don’t wait until you’re out of fuel completely,” said Pat Burke, Director of SEVCA’s Family Services Program. “There are options to help people, but it could take a few days, and we don’t want them to be stuck with no heat at all.”
SEVCA can also arrange an emergency furnace repair or replacement for homeowners whose furnaces stop working or become unsafe to operate.
To be eligible for Crisis Fuel assistance, households must have had extenuating circumstances that led to the heating emergency and income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is based on household size; e.g., $4,050/month (gross) for a family of four. Three years ago, the state ruled that income-eligible households must first apply for and receive Seasonal Fuel assistance before they can be considered for Crisis Fuel. Income eligibility is tighter for Seasonal Fuel — limits are set at 185 percent of FPL instead of 200 percent so households between 185 percent and 200 percent of FPL are eligible for Crisis Fuel without having to apply for Seasonal Fuel assistance. Burke urges qualified households to apply as soon as possible for the Seasonal Fuel program, so that there are no issues around their eligibility for Crisis Fuel, should they need it.
Generally, only one Crisis Fuel assist is provided per household receiving Seasonal Fuel assistance (two for those who aren’t), per year. However, for the past several winters, the state had to find extra money for a “Special Warmth Fund” because there were too many people at risk of being without heat due to these limits, even during last year’s relatively mild winter.
Crisis Fuel Assistance is available from November 28 to sometime in April. For more information, call SEVCA toll-free at (800) 464-9951 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Applicants in northern Windham County may also call that number to schedule an appointment. Brattleboro area applicants should call (802) 254-2795; Springfield area applicants, (802) 885-6153; and White River Junction area applicants, (802) 295-5215. Applicants must bring paystubs or other proof of income, know how much fuel is left in their tank (if oil heat), and provide information about their fuel dealer. To apply for Seasonal Fuel, apply online at www.mybenefits.vt.gov or call (800) 479-6151. This is also the number to call for Crisis Fuel Assistance on weekends and holidays, and for furnace repair or replacement assistance on weekends, holidays, or for after-hours emergencies.
To help bridge the gap between what is covered by the state’s Crisis Fuel program and what is needed by a particular family in crisis, SEVCA raises money through grants and donations. To help keep low-income families warm this winter, individuals may donate to our “Share the Warmth” fund online at http://www.sevca.org/share-the-warmth. Checks may also be sent to 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, VT 05158.

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